Patrick Peterson’s character should be issue for Arizona Cardinals

By Arizona Sports | April 1, 2011 at 3:01 pmUPDATED: April 1, 2011 at 4:12 pm

There is a top draft prospect whose athletic ability is undeniable but whose character and integrity is being called into question this week. We’re not talking about Auburn athlete quarterback Cam Newton and what was said in a Pro Football Weekly draft guide. We’re talking about LSU defensive back Patrick Peterson.

Cam Newton’s character, Wonderlic score and past transgressions have all been reasons why analysts say the Arizona Cardinals and other teams at the top of the draft shouldn’t select him. If that’s the standard by which he’s being judged don’t we have to use the same criteria for Peterson with what has come to light over the last few days?

Sure, he was a young kid and someone like Lyles was probably just trying to find a way to make a quick buck off of his great athletic talent. The problem is, it’s not the initial action that’s the issue. It’s the cover up that is the real issue (just ask Jim Tressell).

If Peterson had come clean upfront it’s forgivable. By allegedly lying on top of initial allegations just brings his character into question even more.

Young men make mistakes and this won’t define him or his career but it does have to concern teams like the Cardinals and others that are lining up to invest millions in him and his character.

If Newton is being picked apart for every character flaw shouldn’t Peterson too? Then again, no one is questioning Peterson’s ability to be a great NFL player like Newton’s. And that’s all that really matters when teams like the Cardinals go to the podium later this month right (insert sarcasm here)?